Build the technology that runs the world

Bachelor
Full-time
4 year

Applied Computer Science

Level: bachelor
Form: full-time
Duration: 4 year
Language: English
Locations: Groningen
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Credits: 240 ECTS
Startmonths: Start: September

Science and Engineering
Exact and Information Sciences

Do you want to build software that goes beyond the screen and runs on the devices, machines and systems that keep the world around us running? During the Bachelor Applied Computer Science, you develop the knowledge and skills to design, program and deploy smart electronic systems.

Meld je aan via Studielink Request brochure

What will you be studying?

In the first two years, you build a strong foundation at the intersection of software and hardware. You develop your programming and technical skills while exploring topics such as computer systems, networks, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning. Through hands-on projects, you apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and prepare to specialise in the direction that suits you best.

Sla over

- Subject or theme
Embedded Programming
- Science and Engineering

HANZE220063 ICT NSE -headerbijvakken.jpg

Sla over

Nathalin Soto Alvarez

Study advisor

About the bachelor Applied Computer Science

The four-year Applied Computer Science programme at Hanze provides a strong technical foundation while allowing you to shape your own path, supported by personal guidance throughout. You progress from core fundamentals to specialisation and, finally, to real-world professional practice.

Course overview

Year 1

In your first year, you build a broad and solid base at the intersection of software and hardware. You learn to program in multiple languages and gain an understanding of electronics, computer architecture, networking, operating systems and mathematics. From day one, you work on practical projects alongside fellow students, applying your knowledge to real challenges. You will not just work on technical topics, but will also build the skills you need to operate in the industry. You will work in a way that mirrors the professional field by working in teams, working on professional products, working on challenging projects and presenting your progress in a professional way.

Year 2

In the second year, the programme goes more in depth. You move beyond the fundamentals and start tackling the technologies that define modern computing. You explore how networks are built and secured, how operating systems manage the hardware beneath your code, and how distributed systems keep applications running reliably at scale. You also get hands-on experience with machine learning and AI. Not just as buzzwords, but as practical tools you learn to build and apply yourself. By the end of year two, you have the technical maturity to specialise with confidence.

Year 3

In your third year, you will choose a specialisation within Applied Computer Science and spend the first half of the year working on professional products in this area. In the second half, you broaden your perspective through a minor, at Hanze or elsewhere, with the option to study abroad.

Year 4

In your fourth and final year, you spend both semesters working on professional products through internships at national or international companies or institutions. This is where you put everything you have learnt into practice and demonstrate that you are ready to begin your career as a computing professional.

After your Applied Computer Science studies

Pursue a master's degree

After your Bachelor of Science, you can continue with a Master’s programme. Options at Hanze include a Master’s in Smart Systems Engineering, Digital Transformation or Data Science for Life Sciences. You can also apply for a master’s at another university, in the Netherlands or abroad in fields such as Computer Science, Embedded Systems or Artificial Intelligence.

Career prospects

After graduation, you are ready to work across virtually every sector, from tech companies and start-ups to healthcare, logistics, energy and government. You could work at a wide range of national and international companies, such as the Dutch semiconductor companies ASML, NXP and Philips. Examples of roles include:

Embedded systems engineer
IoT developer
Software engineer
AI & machine learning engineer
Cybersecurity specialist
Data engineer or analyst
Systems or network engineer
Research and Development (R&D) engineer

Sla over

Go international!
- Science and Engineering
- Exact and Information Sciences

Sla over

Directly admissible

Mbo level 4: eligible for admission from all domains. We would urgently advise you to prepare for the content of the degree programme of your choice. There are two ways of doing this:

Follow one or more transitional electives.
Take advantage of the range of preparatory courses at www.mbonoordnederland.nl. Here, you will find information about preparatory courses, self-study course material and practice materials.

Mathematics is not a required subject, but to successfully complete the study, mathematics is of great importance.

Are you 21 years or older and do you not meet the required educational qualifications (i.e. you do not have a havo, mbo level 4 or vwo diploma)? Then you may take an admission test under the 21+ admission scheme for universities of applied sciences. The 21+ admission procedure consists of a motivation interview and an admission test via www.toelatingstoetsen.nl. Please note: it is not possible to retake the 21+ admission test.

Motivation interview

Preferably, register for the 21+ admission test before 1 June by completing this form. You will then receive an invitation for the motivation interview.

Admission test

For the admission test, you must register separately via www.toelatingstoetsen.nl. There is a fee for taking the admission tests. You can only take the 21+ admission test if you have registered for the programme of your choice.

The admission test consists of a number of subjects, namely English and Dutch. Check here for the dates on which the admission test is offered.

Please note: you cannot take the 21+ admission test during the August test round.

For an additional fee, you can also register for a preparatory course. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended as it significantly increases your chances of passing the admission test.